Aust to attract chefs with visa changes

Australia needs more of the culinary professionals to cope with forecast growth in the hospitality and tourism sectors, and the government will try to attract experience from overseas.

Chefs, along with bricklayers and wall and floor tilers, will be added to the Skilled Occupation List from July, making it easier for suitably-qualified people to secure a visa to enter, live and work in Australia.

Strong interest from a number of high-end international hotel chains means there is going to be a drive in the restaurant and cafe business, along with the construction sector, Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb said.

Australia must ensure it has the workforce to compete, he added.

The need for more construction-industry professionals stems partly from a decrease in Australia's apprenticeship completion rate, the government said.

There are almost 200 occupations on the occupation list, with jobs including health professionals, engineers, various trade roles, accountants and veterinarians.